Black Diamond Icon LED Headlamp

Dear Hiring Manager,

I would like to apply for the position of Everest Expedition Leader as listed on Craigslist with a post date of 3/16/15. After reviewing the requirements of the position, I feel my background is well-suited to the position.

While I have never lead an expedition of the scope and magnitude entailed in this position, I feel that my experience in other areas more than makes up for this. For the last 10 years, I have led trips comprised of several individuals to the coffee shop on the corner of our block. This has required immense organizational and leadership skill. Group members were required to meet at a designated rendezvous spot outside the building at 10:30 am. They were told to talk with no one on their way out, and if questioned were told to report they had a "client meeting." With only one exception this was carried out without incident.

Other skills I possess that would lend themselves well to this position include my ability to keep my balance whilst walking on the icy sidewalks near my home, the ability to light my cigarette while wearing heavy gloves, and my rope work ability gained through several years of using the rope tow at our local ski hill. (I am skilled in the use of the one-hand in front, one-hand in back technique that I am sure you require.)

Of particular note is my knowledge in the areas of lighting and proper headlamp usage. I currently possess the 320 lumen Black Diamond Icon headlamp, and have mastered the skills necessary to operate its QuadPower LED spotlight, two SinglePower white LEDs and two SinglePower red LEDs. I am also familiar with the power settings that include full strength (in proximity and distance modes), dimming, strobe, red night vision. This has come in particularly handy when using the lowest brightness level to speak directly with other team members and not wanting to blind them. I am also intimately familiar with the Icon's battery power meter.

It's for these reasons I believe you should hire me as your next Everest Expedition Leader. Please contact me as your earliest convenience. I look forward to speaking with you.

Sincerely,

Tim Bulb

ps: references available upon request.

A Good Headlamp for $17? You Bet.

On the spur of the moment, we decided to go camping recently.  One of the first things I looked for was my headlamp. I have a Petzl Tikka Plus from a few years ago.  When I got, I liked what I got for the money. It didn't cost a lot, and gave me good range and good battery life.

But I'm not the most organized person on the planet.  I figured the headlamp could be in one of 3 locations: the kitchen drawer, my son's room, or in my hunt pack.  Of course it was in none of these places.  I quickly dashed over to the store and there amongst the pricier, well-known brands was the Coast HL5 LED Headlamp.  On the package it said 175 lumens, and the price? $16.95. Immediately I was skeptical. But I figured I needed something and the price was right, so I thought I'd give it a try.

Well, let me tell you, this lamp pumps out the lumens.  I was very surprised by the range and brightness.  While I'm not sure if this is built to last very long, it has so far and at this price I could buy several and keep some as back-ups.

I think the big boy headlamp makers should keep an eye on companies like Coast. 

UPDATE: A few months ago, the switch on my headlamp started to have intermittent problems. I contacted the headquarters in NE Portland and they were super gracious. They said they would gladly replace or repair it for free. Since I live in Portland, I drove down there and they took one look at it and promptly gave me a new one on the spot. If you know me, I am hugely into good customer service. I call it out when I see it (or the lack of it.) I was very impressed at their willingness to stand behind their product!